Pinhole Surgical Technique vs. Gum Grafting for Gum Recession
Patients who have developed serious gum recession have traditionally only had the option of reversing the effects of this recession with gum graft surgery. Though gum graft surgery is an effective method for correcting gum recession, it is also invasive and may require surgically removing gum tissue from one area of the mouth (usually the palate) and suturing it over the area of recession. After the procedure, there will also be a recovery period while the gums are healing, during which the patient may experience some discomfort.
Pinhole Surgical Technique at Periodontic Associates of Port Huron is an innovative treatment alternative for patients whose gums have recessed that provides similar results to a gum graft but in a manner that is much less invasive, and as a result, less uncomfortable and with a faster recovery period. Rather than surgically removing and suturing grafting material, Pinhole Surgical Technique restores the gum line by making a tiny pinhole in your gum tissue using a small needle. Special instruments are then used to loosen your gum tissue and slide the gums into the proper position. Once in place, collagen strips are used to secure the gums and speed up the healing process.
The three most common types of gum grafts include a free gingival graft, connective tissue graft, and a pedicle graft. A free gingival graft involves taking a tiny amount of tissue from the roof of the mouth and attaching that tissue to the gum area. A connective tissue graft is similar, but the tissue is taken from under the top layer of flesh, which is accessed by making a flap, after which the flap is stitched shut. In the pedicle graft procedure, the pedicle is partially cut away and the gum is pulled down or over the exposed root.
How much pain or discomfort you will feel and how long the recovery process will take will largely depend on the type of graft used. If the graft tissue was taken from the roof of your mouth, this will result in there being two surgical sites that will need to heal, which means more discomfort and a longer recovery period. If donor tissue was used, you can still expect a few days of mild discomfort and possibly swelling, but the recovery process will be much faster. The other factor that will determine how painful the recovery process is will be the severity of your case. Patients whose gums are severely recessed in multiple areas will require more grafting material and may need to schedule multiple appointments to complete the entire process. Although Pinhole Surgical Technique requires fewer aftercare instructions, you will still need to be careful to avoid brushing the affected area for approximately six weeks while the graft reattaches itself to your gums.
Regardless of which technique you have performed, if your gums have recessed, and especially if the recession is caused by gum disease, it is important to correct this issue as soon as possible. Along with impacting the aesthetic appearance of your smile, recessed gums also put you at an increased risk of infection and developing other oral issues, including tooth loss.